(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. In their second story, the three prophesied magical animals--cat Aldwyn, frog Gilbert, and blue jay Skylar--set out on a quest for the only artifact that can stop the evil familiar, Paksahara, from unleashing an animal-zombie uprising. The engaging story line features page-turning action and suspense punctuated by droll humor.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Kei Acedera. Liesl, locked away by an evil stepmother, befriends Po, a ghost who helps her escape to put her father's ashes to rest. She crosses paths with an alchemist's apprentice, and the two flee pursued by adults hungry for magic and power. Appropriately shadowy black-and-white illustrations accompany the suspenseful tale.

Reviewer: Nina Lindsay

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. Young wizard Jack chooses Aldwyn the alley cat to be his familiar (animal magic assistant). Aldwyn begins his new life--and adventures--with Skylar, a bird, and Gilbert, a tree frog. Wry humor and energetic writing power the animals' efforts to save the lives of their human "loyals" from an evil witch.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff